In a world where trends evolve swiftly, even the quest for perfect, gleaming teeth may be losing its allure. Recently, I cracked four of my front teeth, a series of unfortunate events that have left me hyper-aware of my dental situation. Once, I barely thought about my teeth beyond routine brushing—just a tool for chewing. But now, post-crack, I find myself obsessing over their fragility and their curious cultural significance in today’s society.
When I interviewed Rylan in 2022, he had just replaced his veneers with something described as “more natural,” a trend that seems to be sweeping across the beauty industry. Over the last two decades, the dental prosthetics market has tripled, with a projected 70% growth in the next five years. The driving force? Younger people increasingly requesting veneers that look like slightly improved versions of their own teeth. This shift towards “imperfect” veneers echoes the broader movement of embracing more natural beauty, akin to the “no-makeup” makeup trend. Yet, this natural-looking perfection still requires substantial investment, creating a new class marker in the world of beauty and dental work.
This prosthetics boom coincides with a deeper crisis in UK dentistry. Due to a mass exodus of dentists and the closure of many NHS practices, millions of people find themselves in “dental deserts” with limited access to basic care. In response, private dental clinics are redefining the industry, often positioning themselves as luxury wellness destinations. I experienced this firsthand during a visit to the Nejati clinic in Belgravia, which felt more like a high-end spa than a traditional dental office. With its luxurious ambiance and holistic approach to dental care, it starkly contrasted with the often grueling experience at NHS clinics.
The rise of these luxury clinics is part of a larger trend in which “super-dentists” are becoming social media stars, drawing in clients with promises of picture-perfect smiles. When the standard dental experience is often painful or frustrating, it’s easy to understand why people are turning to these glamorous alternatives.
Before my recent tooth incident, I had never given much thought to the perfection of my teeth. But now, as I browse the websites of these high-end dentists, my perception of myself has begun to shift. Just as the flawless, smooth faces seen on social media can make natural features appear less attractive, I’ve found that my unmodified teeth now seem increasingly out of place. How had I managed to live without gum contouring, porcelain veneers, or internal whitening? Was I truly walking around like this—like an animal?
The perception of “perfect” teeth is rapidly changing. What was once a symbol of beauty and wealth is now seen as common or even cheap, as the visible effort to achieve flawlessness becomes all too apparent. “Beautifully imperfect” teeth, despite requiring far more work and higher costs, are now viewed as more desirable and morally superior. Yet, this trend is likely to shift again, as all beauty ideals eventually do.
As I consider the potential for a painful, costly procedure to restore my teeth, I’m left contemplating whether it might be easier and more glamorous to simply indulge in a full smile makeover at a luxury spa. The cracks in my teeth have opened the door to new possibilities, and I can feel myself slowly starting to lean into this new world of dental perfection.
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